Page 2354 - Politics
Khashoggi killing: Canada imposes sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals
Canada on Thursday imposed sanctions on the 17 Saudi Arabian nationals who were allegedly involved in the murder of former Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.The sanctions would freeze their assets and bar their travels to Canada.Al Jazeera quoted the Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland saying in a statement, "The sanctions target individuals who are, in the opinion of the government of Canada, responsible for or complicit in the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018."In addition to this, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he would be raising the issue with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of theG20 Summit to be held in Argentina on November 30 and December 1."I will no doubt have the opportunity to mention it with the crown prince on the margins of the summit," Al Jazeera quoted Macron informing the journalists in Buenos Aires on Thursday.In a Tweet later, Macron added, "I have always been clear ..
Canada sanctions 17 Saudis linked to Khashoggi murder
Canada has announced sanctions targeting 17 Saudi nationals linked to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, media has reported.
French civil servant charged with spying for N Korea: legal source
A senior French civil servant, Benoit Quennedey, has been charged with spying for North Korea, a judicial source said Thursday. Quennedey, a senior administrator in France's upper parliament chamber, the Senate, and president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association, was taken into custody late Sunday. A judicial source said he had been barred from leaving the country or continuing his work in the Senate. He is being held at the headquarters of France's DGSI domestic intelligence agency on the outskirts of Paris. The Senate said earlier that he had been suspended from his job as an administrator in the department of architecture, heritage and gardens and that his office had been searched by police. Quennedey has travelled extensively throughout the Korean peninsula, according to the website of his publisher Delga. In a video posted on YouTube, he described impoverished, isolated North Korea as a "model for development", praising citizens' free access to education and health ...
Ukraine attempts anti-Putin protest at G20
A Ukraine government plan to embarrass Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit failed Thursday when an Argentine company refused to erect a protest poster outside the meeting. Kiev planned to mount a giant billboard depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia's capture on Sunday of three Ukrainian ships sparked a pre-summit crisis. But the move was thwarted when an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, told reporters in Buenos Aires. The prime objective was to win the release of 24 Ukrainian sailors "illegally detained" by Russian forces, she said. "We hope that the summit, the meetings of the leaders -- like the president of the United States, who is going to meet Putin -- will result in the Ukrainian prisoners being released," she said. Trump later announced he was cancelling his planned meeting with Putin "based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to the .
British PM and opposition haggle over Brexit TV debate
British Prime Minister Theresa May is willing to debate her Brexit deal on television but cannot agree with the opposition on a broadcaster and format, it emerged on Thursday. May and Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, are set to contest her Brexit plan on December 9 -- two days before a crunch vote by MPs. But they are yet to settle on a channel amid wrangling over which primetime slot will draw a bigger audience and on whether to include an audience or panel to ask questions. Meanwhile smaller opposition parties such as the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Liberal Democrats are furious that they look set to be shut out. The back-and-forth began after the BBC announced Conservative leader May had accepted its debate offer but that it was still waiting to hear back from Corbyn. However Corbyn said Thursday that he favoured commercial operator ITV. While the BBC had proposed that the leaders debate alongside a panel asking questions, Labour reportedly objected,
US says seized weapons show that Iran is a regional threat
US officials on Thursday displayed military equipment they say confirms that Iran is increasingly supplying weapons to militants across the Middle East and is continuing its missile program unabated. At a military hangar in Washington, Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, showed reporters a collection of guns, rockets, drones and other gear. Some of these had been intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz en route to Shia fighters in the region while others had been seized by the Saudis in Yemen, the Pentagon said. The presentation -- very similar to a December 2017 event led by the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley -- is part of an ongoing push by President Donald Trump's administration to increase pressure on Tehran and shame Western allies into doing more to tackle Iran's regional influence. The centerpiece of the display was what Hook said is a Sayyad-2 surface-to-air missile system that the Saudis had intercepted in Yemen this year. Farsi writing along the .
Trump sets up stormy G20 with Putin snub
US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with the Russian leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's assault on the international order were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20 minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships, as "it's a very good time to have the meeting." "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," he tweeted. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this .
Trump cancels G20 meeting with Putin
US President Donald Trump has cancelled a meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in Argentina because the Russians continue to hold Ukrainian vessels and sailors seized last weekend in an incident in the Black Sea.
Cong lodges complaint with EC against Adityanath for Lord Hanuman remark
The Congress;s Rajasthan unit has lodged a complaint against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his remark on Lord Hanuman with the Election Commission. During a poll rally in Malakheda of Alwar district on Tuesday, the chief minister had said, "Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west". "This was his resolve as it was Lord Ram's wish. Just like him, we should also not rest till we fulfil that wish," Adityanath, one of the BJP' star campaigners, had said. Congress general secretary Sushil Sharma said in a statement Thursday that a complaint has been lodged against the Uttar Pradesh chief minister with the Election Commission and Rajasthan's Chief Electoral Office. The Congress said it fears that Adityanath's statement to call Lord Hanuman a 'Dalit' can harm communal harmony. Such a statement in the poll-bound state is against the model code of conduct and is a .
Modi doesn't give credit to Constitution for making 'chaiwala'
Former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi rarely gives credit to the Constitution and the democratic system which made it possible for a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) to rise to the country's top position. The former Maharashtra chief minister said he himself started out as a court peon, but never boasted about his rise. "You have heard countless times how a chaiwala has become the prime minister. But our prime minister seldom gives any credit to our democratic system or the Constitution that has made this possible," Shinde said. The Congress leader was delivering a key-note address on 'Our Constitutional Democracy and Its Ideals' organised here during the launch of a book written by lawyer and Congress leader Yatish Naik. "I was a 'pattewala' (peon) in Solapur District court. I have always maintained that whatever I have achieved in life is because of our Constitution," Shinde said. "Rather than glorifying myself, I feel it is my duty to admit ...
Govt. offers relief to Air India, spares Rs 29,000 crore of its debt
In a major relief to Air India, the Central Government on Thursday decided to transfer Rs 29,000 crore of the Rs 55,000 crore owed by the national carrier to a special purpose vehicle (SPV).Confirming the development, RN Choubey, Secretary, Civil aviation ministry said, "We are providing a partial but significant relief to Air India."On November 27, the Centre has cleared the decks for the strategic sale of Air India's ground handling subsidiary-Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL)-by deciding its 100 per cent disinvestment in ownership.Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had decided to proceed with the strategic sale of AIATSL after a ministerial panel meeting on Tuesday.The proceeds from the sale of AIATSL would be used to pay off the debt of AI. Earlier the ministerial panel in June this year had decided to cut down debt and raise resources by selling land assets and other subsidiaries.Earlier, on Nov 20, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha had said ...
G20: Trump calls off meeting with Putin
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday called off his meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin which was scheduled to take place on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina.Trump had earlier threatened to cancel the meeting after Russia got into a maritime clash with Ukraine."Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted.On November 25, Russian guards fired upon and then captured three Ukrainian naval ships as they entered illegally into the Russian territory of the Black Sea. This incident drew international condemnation especially by the West further leading to Ukraine preparing to impose martial law in its border areas with Russia.
Former HM slams PM for not crediting Constitution for his achievements
Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not giving due credit to the Constitution and democratic system of the country for making it possible for a tea seller to become the Prime Minister.Speaking at a book launch event here, Shinde said that "You have heard countless times how a tea seller became the Prime Minister. But please take note that our Prime Minister rarely gives credit to our democratic system or the Constitution that has made this possible."Shinde said that he has always credited the Indian Constitution for whatever he has achieved in his life."Initially, I worked in Solapur district court and became the Home Minister of the country. I always maintained that whatever I have achieved in life, is because of our Constitution. Rather than glorifying myself,'' he said.In November, former minister Congress MP Shashi Tharoor credited first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for creating institutional .
No govt can survive without support of farmers: ex-PM Gowda
No government can survive without the support of farmers, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said Thursday, assuring the agitating peasants here that he stood by them in their struggle. Thousands of farmers from across the country converged Thursday at the historic Ramlila Ground after journeys that took some as long as 36 hours to complete to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Addressing the massive gathering of farmers, Gowda said, he understood their pain and problems as, "I, myself am a son of a farmer." "I have come to assure you (farmers) that we stand with you in this hour of struggle. I understand your pains and as a prime minister truer to do whatever I could for farmers," he said. Later, interacting with reporters at the Ramlila Maidan, he asked the Union government to listen to the demands of farmers. "No government can survive without (the support of) farmers. The Union government must listen to their demands. The ...
Trump coy on China trade deal before meeting Xi
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals on Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one, just as he left for Argentina for a meeting with President Xi Jinping.
India part of two trilaterals at G20 involing US, Japan and Russia, China
In an apparent reflection of Indias growing global profile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be part of two trilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20 summit: the first with leaders of Japan and the US and second with leaders of Russia and China.
Macron says to meet Saudi crown prince at G20
French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he would raise the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "I will no doubt have the opportunity to mention it with the crown prince on the margins of the summit," Macron told journalists in Buenos Aires. The de facto Saudi ruler arrived in Argentina on Wednesday bidding to shrug off international outrage over the murder in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul.
Jain being hounded for trying to regularise unauthorised colonies: AAP
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday asserted that Delhi cabinet minister Satyendra Jain is being hounded for trying to regularise the unauthorised colonies in the national capital.The member of legislative assembly from Greater Kailash, Bharadwaj said, "AAP Government takes immense pride that our government is working for people living in Unauthorised Colonies. This was our main election promise for 3/4th of the Delhi population which lives in Unauthorised colonies. Modi Government is trying to stall regularisation of unauthorised colonies."He also claimed that Satyendra Jain has not invested even a rupee in any company or land after 2013."It is laughable that Satyendra Jain in 2013 knew that he will contest elections in 2015 and will become Urban Development Minister and will later convert his land in unauthorised Colony into regularised land," Bharadwaj said.Earlier in the evening, official sources revealed that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted
Sonia to take part in Karuna statue unveiling: DMK
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will take part in the unveiling of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's statue here on December 16, the party announced Thursday. Gandhi has accepted the invitation extended to her to attend the event at the DMK headquarters here, expected to be held in the presence of a galaxy of national level leaders of various political parties. "Unveiling his statue at your party headquarters will be a fitting tribute to Kalaignar (Karunaidhi). It is an honour for me to accept your invitation," she said in a letter to DMK chief and Karunaidhi's son M K Stalin. Gandhi, also the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, in her letter November 26 letter, a copy of which was released to media by the DMK, said Karunanidhi would always be remembered as a "great son of soil who dedicated his life to the welfare of the underprivileged, to social justice and to upholding the spirit of our democracy." Stalin, whose party is a staunch ally of Congress, had on
Trump calls off Putin meeting over Ukraine crisis
US President Donald Trump scrapped Thursday a planned meeting at the G-20 summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over Moscow's detention of a group of Ukrainian sailors. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," he wrote on Twitter. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!," Trump added, shortly after taking off for the weekend summit in Buenos Aires.